Alton Towers is reopening its theme park rides on July 4 - here is everything you need to know

Following the opening of the Alton Towers Gardens earlier this month, the Stoke-on-Trent resort has announced that the rest of the theme park will reopen on July 4.
Alton Towers is preparing to open on July 4Alton Towers is preparing to open on July 4
Alton Towers is preparing to open on July 4

The announcement, which comes following the recent changes to Government guidelines, means the majority of the park's rides and outdoor attractions will reopen on Saturday July 4, however, some indoor facilities will remain closed.

These are the safety precautions and changes you can expect if you are planning to visit:

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You can read more about the new policies and procedures at the Alton Towers website.

>> Can I buy tickets on the day?

The resort will be running at a reduced capacity to ensure social distancing rules can be observed when it initially opens.

To guarantee entry, the theme park is advising customers to pre-book their tickets online, including, season ticket and annual pass holders.

>> What safety measures will be in place at Alton Towers?

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The park has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark. This verifies that the resort meets the Government and public health guidance on COVID-19.

Before arriving, visitors are asked to observe the following safety measures:

• Visitors are asked not to travel to Alton Towers if they start displaying any of the symptoms associated with Covid-19 - these include, a high temperature, persistent cough, and or, a loss or change in taste or sense of smell.

• Visitors are also being encouraged to bring a suitable mask or face covering with them during their visit, as face coverings will be required to ride a number of the rollercoasters at the resort.

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Face masks will not be required for children under the age of 6 or for people with certain health conditions and/or disabilities.

• Non-invasive temperature checks will be in place for both staff and visitors. Anyone who is displaying a temperature above 37.8C will not be allowed into the park.

• Customers turned away at the gates will be able to rebook at no additional cost.

• Hand sanitiser station have been installed throughout the theme park, including at ride entrances and exits.

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• Park staff will also be equipped with personal protective equipment to ensure the safety of staff and guests. Park staff will be wearing face masks, gloves and, where appropriate, visors. Hygiene screens have also been installed in front of many of the food stalls and shop counters.

• New signage and social distancing markers have also been installed across the site.

>> Which rides will I need to wear a mask on?

Thrill-seekers will be required to wear a face mask on the following rides: Nemesis, Galactica, Oblivion, The Smiler, Wicker Man, Rita, TH13TEEN, Enterprise, Blade, Runaway Mine Train and Marauder’s Mayhem.

>> Will food and drink stalls be open?

Alton Towers has confirmed that refreshments will be available to purchase from ‘grab and go’ areas, selling a range of snacks, hot and cold drinks and ice-creams.

Only card payments will be accepted.

>> Will toilets be open?

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New safety measures have been introduced at the park to ensure toilets will be open for visitors.

New measures introduced within the facilities include, spatial distancing and enhanced cleaning.

>> Will Fastrack still be available?

Fastrack will not be available initially, however, park bosses say this may change in the coming weeks and months.

If you have pre-booked a Fastrack bundle for a day when the park was closed, or for a visit in the near future, you can arrange for your Fastrack to be revalidated for later use or get a refund.

>> Will the water park and spa facilities be open?

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The Alton Towers water park and spa will remain closed in line with the latest Government guidance.

The theme park has advised customer that any water park tickets purchased before July 14 will still be valid.

>> Can I still stay in the resort hotel?

Alton Towers' hotels will also reopen with a reduced number of bookings available.

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